Addresses neglect by caregivers. Available in both 30-second and 60-second versions,

Impact PSA's mission is to bring public awareness about ELDER ABUSE. If you are a nonprofit organization specializing in elder abuse, senior issues, senior living, or medical personnel working in geriatric care and can benefit from any of our media campaigns, please contact us at SBerry@ImpactPSA.

Please say "Yes!"

"Elder Abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult."

Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Administration on Aging / National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

Major Types of Elder Abuse

While definitions of Elder Abuse vary because of variations in terms used in Federal and state laws, the lack of a uniform reporting system, and the lack of comprehensive data collection—the most prevalent forms of domestic elder abuse are broadly defined by the NCEA as:

TYPE

DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLES

Physical abuse

Use of physical force against an older adult that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.

Striking with an object, hitting, pushing, shoving ...

Sexual abuse

Nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult.

Unwanted touching, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity.

Psychological abuseIncludes emotional & verbal abuse

Infliction of anguish, pain, or distress on an older adult through verbal or nonverbal acts.

Refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligation or duties to an older adult.

Refusing or failing to provide an older adult with such necessities as food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, comfort, personal safety, and other essentials.

Source: Based on a chart by the National Center on Elder Abuse

The Prevalence of Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse is increasing, but it is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse reported to authorities, about five more go unreported.

Because of the lack of comprehensive national data collection, no one knows the precise number of older Americans being abused, neglected, or exploited. However, accumulated evidence and some early studies are revealing the magnitude of the problem.

In 2003, the U.S. government estimated that perhaps 2 million older Americans has experienced Elder Abuse.

A 2011 report estimated that in the past year 14.1 percent of noninstitutionalized older adults had experienced physical, psychological, or sexual abuse; neglect; or financial exploitation. This translates to possibly about 6 million people!

The prevalence of Elder Abuse is likely to begin increasing by millions: As more and more baby boomers reach retirement, elders are becoming an increasing percentage of the population—from about 15% in 2000 to over 25% by 2040.

However, all of these figures may be underestimating incidences of Elder Abuse, because most incidences go unreported, and studies have not yet surveyed all types of abuse and all categories of older adults.

Growth in Percentage of U.S. Elderly Population: 1900 to 2050

Source: Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by Administration on Aging

THE VICTIMS

All elderly people are potential victims of Elder Abuse. While Elder abuse is occurring in many domestic and institutional settings, it is frequently not obvious.

Particularly vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation are elderly and disabled adults who are unable to provide for their daily needs or who are cognitively impaired.

Many victims are reluctant to tell anyone about the abuse because they may not see themselves as being exploited, or are ashamed that family members or caretakers, on whom they depend, have mistreated them. Victims often do not report abuse because they fear the consequences if help is taken away, or fear possible physical or emotional retaliation.